Description
Crispy lemon pepper chicken tenders bring zesty Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinner tables. Juicy chicken strips coated in tangy pepper and citrus seasoning deliver a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole buttermilk
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (170 grams) pure honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry chicken tenderloins using clean kitchen towels to ensure optimal seasoning absorption.
- Transfer chicken to a large sealable container and create a tangy marinade by combining buttermilk, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Massage marinade into chicken pieces, guaranteeing complete coverage, then refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Prepare seasoned flour coating by whisking flour with remaining lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish.
- Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and drain excess liquid, allowing minimal buttermilk to remain.
- Individually coat each tender in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage and gently shaking off surplus flour.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350-370°F, monitoring temperature with a deep-fry thermometer.
- Carefully lower chicken tenders into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain consistent temperature.
- Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack for excess oil drainage, maintaining crispiness.
- Craft honey butter sauce by melting butter and incorporating honey, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Simmer sauce briefly to meld flavors, then either toss chicken directly in sauce or serve as a complementary dipping accompaniment.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh parsley, and pair with preferred side dishes for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil temperature stays consistent, preventing soggy or burnt chicken.
- Blot chicken dry before marinating to help seasoning adhere better and create crispier coating.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce or adding cayenne pepper for spice lovers.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg